Chapter 2 When Dominic looked up.
Ariana caught a glimpse of unfathomable darkness in his eyes ] ] Perhaps it was his natural authority as someone born to power , but being caught in such a compromising position didnt faze him in the slightest .
] With casual deliberation , he slipped the photograph under his pillow , his long fingers methodically adjusting alarming bulge in his tailored pants ] In mere seconds , hed reverted to his usual detached , ascetic demeanor , as if the man losing control moments before had been a figment of her imagination .
Need something .
Miss Reeves ? he asked coolly , leaning back slightly to create distance between them ] Hen He was always like this .
The mere photograph of Mia could drive him to desperation , yet in Arianas presence , he acted like a Catholic priest with a vow of celibacy .
] Arianas nails dug into her palm as she pictured Mias bland , unremarkable face- Her sisters body wasnt as curvy as hers , her features not as striking as well .
Yet somehow everyone fell for that manufactured innocence act .
] Whatever .
She had beauty , money , and curves in all the right places .
[ ] From today forward , she was washing her hands of anyone who didnt appreciate what she offered .
Theres an auction tomorrow night .
Youll accompany me .
she instructed flatly before turning to leave .
] Dominic frowned .
I believe I requested two days off … I heard Mia will be there , she said without looking back .
After a moment of silence , his deep voice replied , Understood , Miss Reeves .
] Ariana felt a sting in her heart like a needle prick .
] Of course .
Just mention Mias name , and hed break any rule , abandon any principle .
[ ] Thats fine .

Soon enough , she would personally deliver him to Mias side .
The next morning , Ariana had barely stepped outside the villa when she spotted Dominic already waiting by the car His black suit accentuated his perfect physique broad shoulders and narrow waist while the morning light cast a golden edge along his stem profile .
In the past , she would have deliberately tried to provoke a reaction pretending to twist her ankle and falling into his arms , or whispering in his ear with her lips close enough to feel his heat .
Today , she simply got into the car without expression , not even sparing him a single glance .
Dominte seemed surprised , studying her for a beat longer than usual before silently sliding into the passenger seat .
|| As the car headed toward the auction house , Ariana stared out the window .
Unlike her usual self , she didnt fabricate excuses to make conversation .
The silence between them was so complete that their breathing was the only sound .
The auction was being held at the citys most prestigious hotel Crystal chandeliers illuminated the grand hall like daylight , while the air was perfumed with expensive fragrances worn by the social elite Ariana had barely entered when she spotted Mia standing with a group of society girls .
Her half sister wore a white sundress , her straight black hair falling over her shoulders as she chatted and smiled , the picture of sweet innocence .
] Dominics demeanor shifted instantly .
Though he still physically stood behind Ariana , fulfilling his bodyguard duties , she could feel his attention completely captured by Mia .
Ari Mia spotted them and rushed over , affectionately linking arms with Ariana .
What a coincidence ! Youre here for the auction too ? Ariana coldly withdrew her arm .
Dont touch me .
I Mias eyes immediately welled with tears , and she turned to Dominic with a wounded expression .
Dom , I was just trying to be close to my sister .
Dominics brow furrowed slightly , his gaze toward Ariana reflecting barely concealed disgust .
Mia seized the opportunity , tugging at Dominics sleeve .
Dom , I heard that when I had a fever and was craving those raspberry macarons , you braved that terrible storm at midnight to bring them to me ? Im so sorry I couldnt thank you properly I was quite delirious with fever and then on bedrest for days .
] Dominics severe features Instantly softened .
It was nothing , Miss Mia .

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I was in the area anyway .
In the area ? Ariana almost laughed aloud .
[ ] That night hed disappeared for five hours and returned soaking wet .
So that was his version of being in the area ? ] I still need to thank you properly ! Mia said sweetly .
Let me take you to dinner .
This time Dominic didnt refuse .
At your convenience , Miss Mia .
We should Invite Arf tool Mia turned to Ariana , suddenly felgning concern .
Oh my , Arl , you look so exhausted ! And Im the one whos been sick … || Arlana cut her off coldly : Are we suddenly close ? Homewreckers daughter , mind your own business .
Mias expression changed dramatically , and Dominics frown deepened further .
] At that moment , the auctioneer announced the beginning of the event , mercifully interrupting the uncomfortable exchange .
] ] Ariana ignored them both and took her seat .
She was about to marry into the Sinclair family , and expecting a decent dowry from her father was unrealistic .
She needed to prepare her own , which was the real reason shed come to this auction After taking her seat , the first item was presented A pigeon blood ruby necklace , with an opening bid of one million dollars She raised her paddle without hesitation .
Two million .
To her surprise .
Mia also raised her paddle.
Three million .
Ariana looked at her half sister , who smiled sweetly .
You dont mind letting me have this one , do you , half Daddy gives me a much bigger allowance than yours .
Ariana smiled coldly .

Bigger was an understatement .
[ ] Arl ? After all , Since childhood .
Mia had received a monthly allowance of five million dollars , while Ariana got a mere five hundred .
If not for the inheritance her mother had left her , she might have starved to death long ago .
But things were different now .
She had one hundred million coming .
Four million , Ariana countered , raising her paddle again .
Mia clearly hadnt expected this but gritted her teeth .
Four point five million .
Five million .
Five point five million .
ago .
After several rounds of bidding , Mias expression grew increasingly strained .
Ari, where are you getting all this money ? Arent you afraid you wont be able to pay ? Ten million ! Ariana doubled the bid , then gave her a mocking smile .
Funny , Im starting to think youre the one who cant afford to continue .
] Mias face alternated between red and white as whispers spread through the audience .
The auctioneer politely asked , Miss Mia , would you like to increase your bid ? ] One moment .
Mia hurriedly pulled out her phone to message her father .
[ ] Moments later , her expression darkened further , obviously having been denied .
[ ] Seeing this , Ariana curled her lips in satisfaction Of course he would refuse .
After promising her one hundred million , he wouldnt have much left to help his precious daughter save face .
Just as the simation grew unbeatably awkward , a well died man suddenly appeared in the center of the surtion Bour skys the Bott